A former San Miguel County Sheriff’s Deputy is now the target of a state investigation after authorities say he was found in possession of child pornography. A warrant is out for his arrest, and law enforcement officials believe he may have fled the area.

The case involves 28-year-old Jesus Damian Nieblas, who resigned abruptly in late June. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed that a search of his home earlier this month uncovered dozens of illicit videos.

27 Videos and a Growing Investigation

According to officials, Nieblas allegedly had 27 videos of child pornography in his possession at the time of a July 10 search.

The search came after the Colorado Bureau of Investigation received a tip. Details about the source of the tip have not been released, but the material recovered has prompted multiple charges related to sexual exploitation of a child, a serious felony under Colorado law.

“There is no indication that any of the children involved were from San Miguel County,” the CBI said in a statement — though they did not rule out further victims in other jurisdictions.

The content seized is now in the hands of forensic analysts, who are working to verify the identities of the individuals depicted and determine whether any production occurred locally.

Sudden Resignation Raises Eyebrows

Nieblas’s resignation from the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office came on June 25, 2025, just two weeks before his home was searched.

One-sentence paragraph here: That timing is now under heavy scrutiny.

It’s unclear whether department leadership knew about the investigation at the time of his departure. The Sheriff’s Office has not responded to questions about whether Nieblas had any prior complaints or disciplinary actions while employed.

Some former colleagues have privately expressed shock, saying there were “no obvious red flags.” Others now wonder what went unnoticed.

CBI Believes Nieblas Is on the Move

Authorities have not been able to locate Nieblas since the warrant was issued. The CBI believes he has left San Miguel County — and possibly the region entirely.

His last known whereabouts remain undisclosed. Law enforcement is urging the public to come forward with any information. If you’ve seen Nieblas or know where he might be, you’re asked to call 970-248-7500.

As of Tuesday, the arrest warrant remains active. No bond amount has been posted, suggesting that law enforcement considers Nieblas a flight risk.

What We Know So Far

Here’s a quick summary of the timeline and key details of the case:

• Suspect: Jesus Damian Nieblas, 28

• Charges: Multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child

• Evidence: 27 videos containing child pornography

• Jurisdiction: San Miguel County, CO (initial employment)

• Agency: Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Child Pornography Charges Carry Heavy Penalties in Colorado

In Colorado, possession of child pornography — legally categorized as sexual exploitation of a child — can carry prison sentences ranging from 2 to 12 years per count, depending on the severity and number of offenses.

That means Nieblas, if convicted on all charges, could face decades behind bars. The number of video files alone is enough to trigger enhanced sentencing under Colorado statute.

And because Nieblas worked in law enforcement, the betrayal of public trust may also play a role in court proceedings.

“You’ve got someone sworn to protect the community, especially kids,” said a former prosecutor familiar with the case. “This makes it especially disturbing.”

The Community Reacts: Anger, Shock, and Questions

Back in San Miguel County, the news has landed hard. Residents in the small mountain communities once served by Nieblas expressed disbelief and concern.

“I don’t even know what to say,” said one Telluride resident. “He seemed like a decent guy. But this? If it’s true — it’s disgusting.”

Another parent, who asked not to be named, added, “We send our kids to school and camps trusting law enforcement will protect them, not prey on them.”

One-sentence paragraph here again: That trust now feels badly shaken.

Some residents are demanding more transparency from the Sheriff’s Office. They want to know whether internal monitoring systems failed, and if any warning signs were ignored.

What Happens Next?

The investigation is far from over. CBI officials have not said whether additional charges are pending, or whether they’re pursuing federal involvement.

Because of the nature of the content, federal charges under child exploitation statutes are possible — especially if any materials crossed state lines or involved digital transmission.

So far, the FBI has not publicly commented on the case.

Meanwhile, forensic teams are working with national databases to identify any victims shown in the recovered videos. If any victims are identified and located, the charges could be upgraded.

For now, the focus remains on locating Nieblas.